KOHORA, Aug 18 ? With centenary celebrations of Kaziranga National Park just round the corner, the park authority requires atleast Rs 6 crore to restore flood-ravaged infrastructure in the swampy abode of the world-famed one-horned rhinoceros. Talking to this newspaper, park director NK Vasu said, ?even on a cursory glance, the devastation caused to the infrastructural facilities by this year?s deluge is considerable?. Adding, he mentioned, ?though we are yet to ascertain the extent of damage deep inside the core area due to inaccessibility, it has been estimated that Rs 6 crore would be required to restore the primary faiclities.?
A report listing the quantum of flood-induced damage has since been submitted to a Central assessment team which visited the park last month. ?Despite adopting a very effective monitoring mechanism to minimise loss to both animal life and property, the intensity of floods this season was such that minus unstinted support from the local people, NGOs, police and district administration, our park personnel alone would have obviously felt inadequate to deal with the situation.?
?Even on a rough estimate, 30 wooden bridges inside the park merit replacement?, Vasu informed. Additionally, ?374 km of roads, 900 kms of patrolling paths and 106 highlands require immediate repair, as do 94 anti-poaching camps, 11 watch towers and 20 culverts?. Moreover, ?distillation of several water bodies, besides reclamation of 16 water election bundhs are also on our priority list?. While sprucing up on a massive scale has become imperative, nine speed boats and 45 country boats which were pressed into service for policing and resume operations during the recurring floods require mechanical attention, the KNP director revealed.